People face disruption on the network this morning
Merseyrail has confirmed it has cancelled trains on one of the its lines after Storm Bert caused flooding in the region. The operator announced on the evening of Saturday, November 23, it would more than likely be forced to operate rail replacement buses between Hooton and Chester due to the weather overnight.
The rail operator confirmed on Sunday morning people would be faced with disruption as rail replacement buses were put on between the two stations due to flooding on the the track. It said on social media: “Latest Service Updates. Due to flooding caused by Storm Bert, the Chester line is disrupted. Train services will start and terminate at Hooton. Rail Replacement Buses are in operation between Hooton & Chester.”
It also confirmed there is a ticket acceptance in place for people travelling on Transport for Wales services between Chester and Liverpool. Earlier this week, the Merseyrail network was plagued with cancellations and delays as the cold weather set in on Merseyside, with several lines being disrupted on the morning of Wednesday, November 20.
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The operator also came under fire for its ticketing system as Labour MP for Knowsley Anneliese Midgley raised the issue of customers having to print off tickets rather than using them digitally to transport secretary, Louise Haigh in Parliament on Thursday November 21 and asked what steps are being taken to simplify railway ticketing.
Ms Midgley said: “Some of my Knowsley constituents find themselves being fined or denied travel by Merseytravel for buying tickets legitimately online. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to work with our mayor, Steve Rotheram, and with Merseyrail and other operators, to ensure that passengers are not unfairly penalised, and to create a clear and fair ticketing system that is easy for everyone to use?”
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) confirmed new technology and infrastructure is needed and are working with Merseyrail towards introducing a more simplified smart ticketing system to meet public demand and to address passengers’ current frustrations with online ticketing.
A spokesperson for the LCRCA said: “Phase 1 of our Tap and Go offer using Metro Cards on the Merseyrail network, has passed key milestones enabling us to move to the next stages of this part of the project, including testing.
“The second phase will see passengers able to use their bank card, or devices such as phones or watches, without the need for a MetroCard.”
